Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 142728 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142728 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
God, he looks amazing.
I lean against the doorframe, staring at the Lost Kings MC tattoo taking up most of his back. The club’s literally plastered all over his body. Embedded in his skin. Thinking it’s just a hobby was a seriously stupid miscalculation on my part.
“Here, let me grab you a toothbrush.” Duh, why didn’t I do that for him sooner?
I open the tiny medicine cabinet over the sink. Two tiny square packets of birth control pills tumble out, clattering into the sink.
My morning reminder to take mine. What perfect timing.
Dex frowns at the labels on the backs of the packets.
“Oh, shit.” I set mine on the counter and grab Libby’s, shoving them in the medicine cabinet. I pluck a toothbrush off of a different shelf, then slam the door shut. “Don’t judge.”
“No judging.” Dex holds his hands in the air. “But shouldn’t she have them with her?”
“It’s not…my sister’s not…yes.”
“Relax. It’s none of my business.”
“They’re not for that. For her, I mean. We both have…” I blow out a frustrated breath. Eh, fuck it, if talking about this stuff scares him away, he’s not worth the energy. “Basically, one week out of the month and honestly, a few days before, this house is a hellscape. You’re best avoiding it at all costs.”
He chuckles softly. “Or, I could always leave a bag of steaks and chocolate on the porch and run.”
Wise man. “Steaks?”
“Iron?” He shrugs.
It’s such a sweet thought, I won’t contradict him by explaining the prostaglandins in red meat can actually make cramps worse. “Anyway, please don’t tell her I told you any—”
“Emily.” He frowns as if searching for the right words. “I can’t think of any reason why that would come up in conversation with your little sister.”
“She embarrasses easily, that’s all.”
His gaze strays to the cabinet door. Pain creases his forehead, and he seems to be struggling with his next words. “Don’t take this the wrong way,” he says carefully, “but my wife’s parents didn’t think they had to worry about anything either.”
He’s clearly uncomfortable with the topic, so I hang onto my protective big sister retort. I kept a lot of things from my parents when I was a teenager. Some far more dangerous than skipping a pill. I like to think Libby and I have a more open relationship but I also try to give her space and independence where I can.
Then, his words hit me full force. Does he have a kid? He said his wife died. Did she…I open my mouth to ask, then snap it shut. If he wants to tell me, he will.
“I’ll talk to her when she gets home,” I finally say.
“I’m sure that’ll be fun.” The corners of his mouth tip up.
“Maybe I’ll have Serena talk to her, she seems to open up to her easier,” I say.
“Serena’s been through a lot. I’m sure she’s a good listener.”
“She is.”
Now that this completely bizarre and embarrassing conversation is over, I pop my own pill, chase it with a sip of water, and leave Dex to finish up in here.
If our time this morning is limited. I don’t want to waste a minute.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Dex
Nothing exciting happens in church, which is a good thing for a change. Grinder seems grumpier than usual but I really want to ask him about his old apartment, so I’m willing to risk his surly attitude.
I don’t want to discuss this while most of the club still lingers in the war room to overhear my business, but Grinder looks like he’s ready to bolt so I better ask now.
“Hey, before you leave.” I reach over and rest my hand on Grinder’s arm. “What’d you do with the lease on your apartment?”
“Didn’t have one.” His gaze shoots across the table to Teller.
Teller narrows his eyes and lifts his chin. “Why are you asking?”
Great, now Teller’s gonna be in my business. “If it’s still available, I want to rent it.”
“Why the fuck you want to be way out there?” Wrath bellows from somewhere behind me. “It’s like an hour from CB. Forty-five minutes from here.” He pulls out his chair and drops into it again.
“I’m aware of where it’s located.” Goddammit. Can’t anyone have a private conversation around here?
“You want to be closer to Emily?” Grinder asks. Bet he’s smirking under that bushy fucking beard.
“Yeah.” Why bother lying?
“Puts you closer to our wee support club, too,” Murphy adds.
“Saying wee doesn’t make me not want to call you a leprechaun, you know,” Wrath says.
“You can have the place,” Teller says. “Rent free.”
My gaze swings between Teller and Grinder.
Teller sighs and sits forward, resting his elbows on the table. “I own the building.”
“My, my, look at you.” Wrath clucks his tongue. “Our little prince is a real estate mogul.”
“Look who’s talking,” Teller says. “Aren’t you and Trinity about to close on your retreat up north?” Teller focuses on me again. “Top apartment is available to any brother in need. Still furnished. Nothing fancy. But it’s yours if you want it.”